Helen Roubickova, Counsellor, Reg'd MBACP, BA Hons, Adv Dip

About me

I am a fully qualified counsellor, experienced in working with adult clients on a wide range of issues. I understand that seeking help can be difficult and it is my aim for us to work together, at your pace, to help you find ways to move forward positively in your life. I offer a compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe and understood.

How Can Counselling Help You?

You may feel clear about why you are seeking counselling or you may feel unsure if it is the right thing for you. You may know what is troubling you or you may feel at a loss as to why you feel the way you do. Whichever situation applies, counselling has the potential to be of help.

Sometimes just being able to talk about one's troubles can bring the relief and healing needed. Sometimes looking at the past can help shed light on current problems. Sometimes helping to understand ones personality, behaviour and relationships with others can bring profound positive change. Sometimes getting in touch with deeply buried emotions can be the answer. Often counselling is effective by doing all of these things and more.

We will work together to explore what is troubling you, how you are affected and where the sources of your problems may lie. We will work on enabling you to find ways to overcome your problems and live your life in a more rewarding way.

How Do I Work?

I am passionate about using my skills as a therapist to respond to your unique needs and to enable you to get the most from your counselling experience. This will always be enhanced if you feel you are able to be honest and open about your thoughts and feelings. I offer a confidential space in the privacy, peace and comfort of my home where you can feel secure and understood: where you will be heard and not judged.

Having counselling is rarely an easy process, and I aim to always provide you with the support that you may need throughout. Sometimes it can be incredibly hard to talk about our experiences. You may want to relate events, memories or feelings that you have never spoken of before. I recognise the difficulty and pain that is sometimes unavoidable and I reassure you that all the work we do together is at your pace. It is you who will be in the driving seat.

At the heart of my work, I endeavour to provide a space for you where you know that you are genuinely accepted as an equal human being and where you feel the freedom to be yourself and express yourself openly.

Choosing Your Counsellor

Feeling at ease and comfortable with your counsellor and the immediate environment plays a vital role in getting the most from your counselling experience. Some communication will take place before meeting but the first session is the key opportunity for you to decide if things feel ‘right’ for you. It is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about how counselling may be able to help you; to find out more about the counsellor; and to get a good feel for how it may be to engage in working together. It is your choice and it is perfectly acceptable to ‘shop around’ before opting for someone.

Training, qualifications & experience

Training and Therapeutic Approach

I am a fully trained Humanistic Integrative Counsellor. This means my approach incorporates and integrates elements from a number of different approaches and theoretical backgrounds. My way of working is primarily underpinned by elements of both Psychodynamic and Person-Centred approaches, while I also refer to Transactional Analysis and Attachment Theory, and use techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Gestalt.

Being a Humanistic Integrative therapist gives me the flexibility to work in the way that I judge to be of maximum potential in helping a client. My approach may therefore vary from one person to the next. Individual personalities as well as the nature of the problem can have a bearing on this. Additionally, my therapeutic approach may take a different form with the same client as time passes. For example, this may be appropriate because their needs change, or because they have a new ability to see things from a different perspective.

Diploma in Psychodynamic and Person-Centred Counselling. University of Hertfordshire.

BA Combined Honours Degree in Social, Political and Business Studies. Aston University, Birmingham.

Background and Experience

My first involvement with counselling began 30 years ago when, as a young woman, I sought counselling for myself. Since that time I have received help on and off with a number of highly qualified and experienced therapists. This experience has been invaluable in shaping and informing me, both as a person and, inextricably, as a professional counsellor.

As well as having my own practice, I have worked for over 2 years at CRi Spectrum, Hertfordshire's Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service.

Fees

I offer fixed short-term and open-ended long-term counselling for adults of any age.I work on a weekly basis with regular 50 minute sessions.

Further information

Registered Member of the BACP

I am a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. The BACP's Register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, an independent body accountable to Parliament. As a Registrant, I am bound by the BACP Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Eligibility for membership is strictly monitored and up-dated annually.

The BACP provides a confidential service called 'Ask Kathleen', for members of the public to ask questions about their therapy if they have any concerns. 'Ask Kathleen' by calling 01455 883344 or email ask@bacp.co.uk.Please refer to the BACP website for more information.

Contacting Me

Please contact me by the email link or call or text my mobile. I will always try to get back to you within 24 hours. It can be helpful to talk briefly by telephone before making an appointment, but not essential if you prefer not to.

Finding Me

My practice is based in my home and I will provide the full address as required. There is a parking space available directly outside and it is less than 10 minutes walk from Welwyn Garden City bus and rail stations.